Mata: LVG system is perfect for me

Manchester United attacker Juan Mata insists he is ready to thrive in his favoured No.10 role under Louis van Gaal and believes the Dutchman's system will be perfect for him.

Van Gaal has revitalised United's tactics ahead of the new Premier League season. The 3-5-2 formation he used in the club's pre-season friendlies has seen a transformation in several players, most notably Mata.

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"It is difficult to imagine Manchester United having another season like last time out under Louis van Gaal. It's easy to laud a manager through past stories but contemporary examples back up the point that Van Gaal could be United's biggest strength."

The 26-year-old endured a frustrating time under David Moyes and was largely deployed in a wider position. However, Mata told the Daily Mail that, while it has been difficult to adapt to some of his new manager's methods, he has welcomed the return to a central role.

"I hope it will be [perfect] for me," Mata told the newspaper. "I feel comfortable in that position. I can play as a midfielder defensively or as a striker offensively if that's what I have to do.

"My mission is to assist and score. I can do that from this position and I hope I can have a great season. More importantly it has to be a great season for the team. This system is difficult and it's difficult to adapt. You have to be very fit, for example.

"You have to be focused but, if you manage to master it, you can put lots of pressure on the opponent and you can hurt them with the ball.

"I think everyone knows that Dutch football likes to play a good way, a way I like to play and watch. This manager wants passing and movement and triangles. It's how I play my best."